Song meaning of A letter to my old best friend by Josiah MacCartney

The song "A Letter to My Old Best Friend" by Josiah MacCartney explores themes of loss, regret, and heartbreak. The lyrics depict the narrator's struggle to come to terms with the end of a friendship and unrequited love.

In the first verse, the narrator confesses to having lied to themselves in order to cope with the pain of seeing their friend move on with someone else. They reflect on the time they spent together, emphasizing their commitment to the friendship and their inability to let it go. However, they also acknowledge that they were never seen as the end goal, but rather a temporary presence in their friend's life.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of bitterness and resentment towards the friend. The narrator feels hurt and betrayed by their destructive words and actions. Despite the pain, they still yearn for the friendship and long for the connection they once had.

The chorus, "You could have it all, my empire of dirt / I will let you down, I will make you hurt," conveys the narrator's willingness to give everything to the friendship, but also acknowledges their own shortcomings and the pain they may have caused.

The second verse highlights the nostalgic memories shared between the two friends, such as going to church together and admiring their friend's beauty. The narrator expresses regret for their mistakes and admits to being the worst thing in their friend's life. However, they find solace in pursuing their passion for music and gaining recognition, even without their friend by their side.

The bridge amplifies the longing for the friendship and the yearning for the closeness they once shared. The narrator expresses confusion over what went wrong and reminisces about the good times they had. All they want is to have their best friend back.

Overall, "A Letter to My Old Best Friend" captures the pain and longing that come with the end of a close friendship. It explores the complex emotions of regret, disappointment, and the desire to reclaim what was lost. The song serves as a heartfelt expression of grief and a reflection on the significance of friendship in one's life.